Well both teams have thrashed Southend in the last week, for one team it will be just a flash in the pan for the victors it maybe just the start of a bit of a roll.
Last Week
Jimmy Mullen caused a bit of a stir by suggesting that want away centre half Anthony Gerrard might be dropped if his head wasn’t right.
Whilst more positive news was found by Ricketts and Weston getting 90 minutes under there belt, in Westons case his first since last season.
A stunning silence has been the official response to the fact that the FA have black listed Paul Taylor, can he continue in his consultants role under such constraints.
However the message board is full of Jabo’s first game against his former club, after all this is Jabo’s match.
Walsall Team News:
Jabo will continue up front after a shakey start in pre season has found form with some man of the match performances, can he do the same against the defence that knows him so well. But who will partner him last weeks hat trick hero Ishmel or the now free from suspension Rickets.
In defense will Weston be fit enough to return in place of Palmer (who could move up to right midfield) and who will be in the centre of defense injury hit Roberts, inexperienced Smith or want away Gerrard. at bleast Boertein will be at left back.
Midfield Mattis is not quiet fit so defender Taundry may continue in midfield with Hughes with Bradley on the bench and Reich wide with Zaaboub out picking up a knock in the reserves on wednesday.
Lots of questions and only Jimmy has the answers.
Player to watch: Jabo Ibehre
Eyebrows were raised when Walsall signed the big Orient man and the question marks remained as he settled in over pre season. However he has worked hard and found the net twice and been a real hand full for opposition defences.
He will be wanting to prove the Orient management wrong for letting him go….it looks like they made a big mistake on Jabo’s showing so far.
Leyton Orient Team News:
Having sent a young side to Southend it looks like some of the more established names will get a run out, especially having started a bit of a run of form having held Brighton to a draw on there last away trip…a very creditable result.
Like ourselves they hhave there injury problems and the absence of Wayne Gray did cause a worry about there ability to score goals but those fears seem un founded after the 4 goal romp at Southend, with Ex dingle JJ Meligan and Adam Boyd (last seasons top scorer with 17) finding the net.
Player to watch: JJ Meligan
a Player who first found prominance at Kidderminster whilst on loan from Wolves. A number of Walsall fans thought that a move for the wide might have been a good idea but instead he plyed his trade at Cheltenham before moving onto the O’s.
On his day he can be a true match winner and with our defensive problems at the moment we will do well to keep him quiet.
After his goal at Southend the Orient manager praised the new JJ Meligan.
Match Facts & Stats
Orients Latest league Results
Brighton 0 – 0 Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient 0 – 0 Carlisle
Peterborough 3 – 0 Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient 2 – 1 Hereford
Leyton Orient 3 – 1 Bristol Rovers
Swansea 4 – 1 Leyton Orient
Match Prediction:
Neither side will want to lose, and the weather may play a part, so a draw for me.
Next Fixtures:
away to Bristol Rovers next saturday, with a trip to Brighton the following weekend.
